by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Three consecutive league victories have created a sense of optimism for Bayern Munich's new head coach, Vincent Kompany.
Ahead of the 2020 treble winners' UEFA Champions League opener against Zagreb on Tuesday, Bayern board member for sport, Max Eberl, praised the 38-year-old former Burnley manager and Manchester City captain for adding fresh elements to the Bavarian team's style of play.
"We play more actively; we score goals from our new pressing approach. That's something new," Eberl said, noting that Kompany has brought a unique dynamic to Bayern's DNA. He described Kompany as a "person who lives and breathes football" and has the ability to get into the players' minds.
The squad has embraced Kompany's tactics, especially after finishing as Bundesliga runner-up last season. Now leading the league for the first time in a year, the team's progress is evident. Speaking three languages - English, French and German - Kompany acts as a conductor, guiding the team with precision and inspiring growing enthusiasm among the players.
Eberl highlighted veteran striker Thomas Muller as one of the key beneficiaries of the new tactical approach. "The path to goal is shorter. Players thrive on quick opportunities. One of the standout performers in this new system is Thomas Muller," he said.
Though hiring a coach with only four years of managerial experience was risky, Eberl pointed out that Kompany's extensive playing career was a significant factor. "You don't become captain at Manchester City and play there for 11 years without having vast experience," he noted.
Kompany had been Bayern's top choice to replace Thomas Tuchel from the outset, even after Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann and Austria's Ralf Rangnick declined offers. "We watched him at Burnley. We saw his passion and his clear vision of the game," Eberl added, mentioning that Bayern now takes more risks by playing man-to-man in their own half.
Former Germany international goalkeeper Manuel Neuer praised the team's rejuvenated mindset, saying, "The winning mentality is back." Eberl reiterated the club's season goals: winning both the Champions League and the Bundesliga title.
Despite the strong start, Kompany is pushing for more. "It's my job to make sure we keep going," he said. "It's simple: If we perform well, I'm happy. If not, I have sleepless nights."
Another standout in the revamped Bayern lineup is young star Jamal Musiala, whose recent performances Eberl called a new level of quality. The club is currently negotiating a contract extension for the 21-year-old. Bayern president Herbert Hainer said he envisions Musiala as the club's next Thomas Muller in terms of loyalty. "I can imagine him being here for the next 20 years," Hainer stated.
Kompany himself might not last two decades at Bayern, but for now, he has successfully rejuvenated the club, helping them to regain their confidence. ■
